From Farm To Plate, Make Food Safe — Dave’s Diary

Today is World Health Day.  Congratulations if you enjoy good health.  Millions of people around the world do not.  In underdeveloped countries, clean food and water can't be taken for granted.

In fact, food-borne diseases kill hundreds of thousands of people each year but most of us don’t seem to reach a level of concern until something like the 1990s "Mad Cow" disease outbreak occurs.  But as fast as we ramp up our concern, we go back to business as usually just as fast which is one reason why the World Health Day this year is focused on food safety.

So while we are on the subject of health, how’s yours? Are you as healthy as your fellow man?  Here's what a Men's Health poll of 570 men found:

• 44% said when compared with other men your age they think they are healthy than most.
• 32% said when compared with other men your age they think they are above average.
• 35% said the main reason they don't see a doctor more often is "I hope the problem will go away."
• 27% said the main reason they don't see a doctor more often is "it's too expensive."
• 20% said the main reason they don't see a doctor more often is "it's too inconvenient."
• 43% said the most important factor for good health is exercise.
• 31% said the most important factor for good health is diet.
• 41% said "the government" should provide health care.
• 23% said "individuals" should provide health care.
• 21% said "employers" should provide health care.
• 71% said "yes" people who are not registered organ donors should be allowed to receive organs from strangers.
• 87% said "I've never suspected" a doctor prescribed you a placebo.
• 93% said they have "never exaggerated symptoms in order to obtain prescription drugs."
• 72% said they are "not likely at all" to have surgery in another country if they risk was double but the cost was half.
• 69% said "no" employers should not be allowed to refuse to hire someone who has had psychological or psychiatric counseling.
• 83% said "individuals" bear the most responsibility for the increase in obesity.
• 62% said "no" to if it were possible to clone yourself and use the genetically identical material to provide your own medical treatments.
• 88% said they have not volunteered for a clinical trial.
• Those are the opinions but others, but if you want to live in line with the healthy facts on food safety, follow the "Five Keys to Safer Food" 1. Keep clean; 2. Separate raw and cooked food; 3. Cook thoroughly; 4. Keep food at safe temperatures; 5. Use safe water and raw materials.